Frequently Asked Questions
About the Dogs and the Rescue

 

Where do the dogs come from?

Many of the dogs are turned in to the rescue by their owners because they believe that they can no longer keep them for some reason.  Others are rescued from our local animal shelters and humane societies on their last day before being put to sleep.  We have a long list of dogs waiting to come into the rescue, and we do our best to help as many dogs as possible.  Click here for a list of local shelters, where we rescue about 50% of the dogs that you see listed on our website.

Why are there so many dogs looking for homes?

Many people purchase or adopt German Shepherd puppies because they are so cute, unaware that they are not an easy breed of dog to own.  German Shepherds require lots of training, socialization, and attention.  They do not do well when left alone in a backyard, and often get into mischief because they are bored. Owning a dog is a responsibility for the lifetime of the pet, but many people do not think about the long-term impact that the dog will have on their lives.  When their situation changes, such as having to move, they do not include their dog in the plan.  If you are considering bringing any pet into your family, please be prepared to care for that pet for the rest of its lifetime.  Click here to see the most common excuses we hear when a pet is given up by his or her owner.

How many dogs get placed through the rescue?

We adopt around 400+ German Shepherd Dogs to good homes every year.  This year, we are on track to help even more dogs find loving, new homes.  Although we are happy to find homes for so many dogs, it just shows that the pet overpopulation problem is serious here in Southern California.  Click here to see the list of dogs adopted through our rescue this year alone!

How long do the dogs stay at the rescue?

Some of the dogs get adopted the very same day that they come into the rescue!  Many of the puppies get adopted very quickly.  Unfortunately, some of the senior dogs take more time to find loving homes willing to open their hearts to an older dog.  All of the dogs stay at the rescue for as long as it takes for their new family to find them.  We are a no-kill rescue, so none of the dogs in our care are in jeopardy of being "put down".

Are they all purebred dogs?

We focus on rescuing and adopting out purebred German Shepherds.  Although some of the dogs come in with paperwork showing their lineage, many of the dogs come from situations where we cannot confirm their background.  We do our best to recognize and save dogs that we believe to be purebred because we feel that we know the breed well and can help these dogs to find permanent, new homes.  There are many other rescue groups who specialize in other breeds and mixed-breeds of dogs.

What are the characteristics of the German Shepherd Dog?

German Shepherd Dogs come in several colors, including black and tan, black and red, black and silver, sable, black, and white.  Occasionally, we see liver or "blue" shepherds.  The adult females usually weigh anywhere from 50 to 100 pounds.  Adult males generally weigh 70 to 120 pounds or more.  The ears are usually upright, although floppy or "soft" ears are not uncommon.  They have a long nose, and a long straight tail. These dogs are very intelligent, loyal, protective, and loving.  Originally bred for herding livestock, they bond very closely with their family and instinctively watch over them.  They thrive on routine, and look very keenly to their owners for leadership in the "pack". In case you thought we would only mention the nice things, here are some of the traits that can make German Shepherds a challenge: German Shepherds require training.  Many of the dogs that come to our rescue have no training, or were turned in to us because of problems that proper training could correct.  Expect to invest time -- and perhaps money -- in training your dog. German Shepherds are active dogs that like to play.  If you're looking for a total couch potato, you should consider a different breed. They are highly intelligent.  If they are not given a job to do or an activity to keep them busy, they will often come up with their own. German Shepherds are especially social and need to be part of a family -- not to be banished to the backyard.  If you do not have time to interact with your dog, or you don't want a dog inside your home, don't get a German Shepherd. These dogs shed -- we don't call them 'German Shedders' for nothing.  Learn to love the hair or consider another breed. They can also be vocal, often whining or barking to communicate.  Most German Shepherd owners find this trait endearing.  If you want a silent pet, get a goldfish.

Why is owning a German Shepherd Dog different from other breeds?

German Shepherds are not an easy breed to own due to their intelligence, sensitivity, and their loyalty to their people.  If you have never owned a German Shepherd before, we recommend doing your homework before you adopt one.  Obedience training your shepherd is a must -- it will help you to communicate with your dog and to provide him or her with guidance.  The more training you do with your dog, the better family member your dog will become. Many German Shepherds do not do well when left alone for long periods of time.  All German Shepherds require daily exercise.  They are nick-named "German Shedders" because they do shed periodically, although a good diet and regular grooming can keep this under control.  The breed is also prone to some medical problems, such as hip dysplasia, that affect most large-breed dogs.  You should be aware of all of these things before you adopt. Click here to read more about whether a German Shepherd Dog is the right breed for you!

What types of dogs are available?

We get German Shepherd Dogs of all ages, sexes, shapes, sizes, colors and temperaments.  Watch our website under 'Available Dogs' for bios on the dogs currently waiting at the rescue for new homes.

How often are puppies available?

We get puppies periodically, but they get adopted very quickly.  Everyone wants a puppy, but they overlook the adult dogs who themselves were puppies just a few short months or years ago.  If you are only interested in adopting a puppy, please submit an online application and we will put you on the puppy waiting list once you are approved.  You can find the application by clicking here.

Why should I adopt instead of going to a breeder or pet shop?

Breeders and pet shops are selling dogs and puppies to make money.  In most cases, they often do not care about what happens to the puppy once they have your money.  Although some breeders will give you a guarantee of the puppy's health, this generally means that if you return the puppy to them due to a health problem, they will euthanize the puppy and give you another one in its place.  They will not spend money to try to help your adopted pet because they are in a profit-making business.  Many less scrupulous breeders will not even take their dogs back if things don't work out. Many of the dogs that end up at the rescue or in animal shelters originally came from these same breeders and pet shops.  These wonderful animals are in desperate need of new homes because their owners do not want them any longer.  Hundreds of these animals are put to sleep every week at local animal shelters because there just aren't enough homes for all of them.  It is a "supply and demand" situation with too much "supply".  Sure, they were adopted when they were cute, little puppies.  But then their people grew tired of caring for them and they were abandoned.  These wonderful dogs don't know why their people don't want them anymore, and they have no idea that their life hangs in the balance.  For more information about saving a shelter dog, click here.

Why should I want to adopt an older dog?

Adult and senior dogs have a lot to offer that most people are not aware of.  They are often already obedience trained and housebroken.  They are already past the puppy "chewing" stage, and can be much less destructive.  As adults, you will already know what the dog will look and act like when fully-grown.  These dogs are looking for a new family to bond with, and will be just as loyal and loving as a puppy that grew up in your home.  They are still able to learn and adapt to a new home, and are anxious to please.  Somehow, after once being homeless, they seem to appreciate their new family just that much more!  Click here to read the top ten reasons to adopt a senior dog.

What if I own a dog that needs a new home?

Please think carefully before you decide to re-home your dog.  Is there any way to resolve the problem so that your beloved companion can remain in your family?  Consult a professional dog trainer, veterinarian, or behaviorist about the problem.  Many of the reasons that people give up their pets are easily solvable if you are willing to do some research and to try to work things out.  Dogs are not disposable -- they are like children, and they need the same consideration when a problem arises.  Click here to see a list of common reasons why dogs lose their homes, and some ways to solve the problem! If you find that you must give up your dog, we have some information about finding him or her a good, new home here.  It is not easy to find a new home for a dog, so be sure that you give yourself plenty of time to locate the right situation for your family pet.  Dogs over the age of 4-5 years take much longer to re-home because unfortunately most adopters want a puppy or young adult.

Will you take my dog that I can no longer keep?

Our rescue can only accept purebred German Shepherd Dogs.  People come to us to adopt this breed, and we have a difficult time placing mixed-breed dogs.  There are other rescue groups that place mixes, so please contact the appropriate group.  You can find many of these rescue organizations at www.petfinder.org under 'shelter resources'.  Please be aware that EVERY animal rescue group is drowning in unwanted animals, and they may not be able to help your pet.  Be responsible for your own animal and do what you can to find him or her a new home on your own. If you have a purebred German Shepherd Dog that you can no longer keep, please contact us and explain your situation, where you got your dog, a brief bio on him or her, what you have done to try to solve the problem, and when you need to find your dog a new home.  We will do what we can to help you place your pet, or to get the dog on our 'owner turn-in' waiting list. Our waiting list is always long, with a wait time somewhere between 2-3 weeks on average, so please be patient with us.  When one dog at the rescue is adopted, we bring in the next dog on the list.  We do our best to bring dogs into the rescue facility based on their urgency.  Please work with us to determine when your dog needs to come into the rescue so that we will have a space open for him or her.  Our kennel space is limited, and we have to juggle all of the dogs trying to come in -- from owners who no longer want them, from shelters where their time is running out, and when dogs are adopted from the rescue and later returned.  Remember, we are a not-for-profit organization, and we are doing this to help these wonderful dogs.  If you can help with a donation towards your dog's care while at the rescue, it would be greatly appreciated.

What if I find a stray dog?

First, never approach a stray dog if it is fearful, aggressive, or sick.  Call your local animal control department and have them pickup the dog, for your safety and for that of the dog. If you do find a stray dog, see if you can help him or her to find his way home.  First, check for any type of ID tag on the collar and contact any and all numbers on the tag.  It is not uncommon for a dog to get out of a yard, and to travel a few blocks away from home.  Walking the dog around your neighborhood and asking residents if they know the dog is one way to help him or her to get home. California law states that you must take the dog to the local animal shelter in case its family is looking for it.  Post up flyers around the neighborhood, and in ALL of the nearby animal shelters, local pet supply stores, veterinary offices, etc.  Get as many people  as possible helping to look for the dog's owner. Click here for more information about found dogs.

Why things make it difficult for a dog to find a new home?

Senior dogs have the most difficult time finding a new home because people are attracted to the puppies.  These older dogs often have a long lifetime still ahead of them, but they are easily overlooked in favor of the younger dogs.  Many of these dogs would be happy just to be a part of your family, and to love and protect you. We also get some "Special Needs" dogs that are difficult to re-home.  Click here to read about some of the current dogs who need a special home.  Some of these dogs have developed medical problems that require medication or routine care.  Others just have some sort of physical mark or deformity that makes people pass them by.  These are the dogs that break our hearts because they are so loving and deserving, but only very special adopters will even consider sharing their love with them.

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